Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati poses with her three Ballon d'Or trophies
via REUTERS/Albert Gea
Aitana Bonmati has spent her career proving what greatness looks like in women's football, picking up the Ballon d'Or Feminin three years running from 2023-2025, and establishing herself as one of the sharpest football minds in the game today.
Few players understand the demands of winning individual honours quite like she does, which is exactly why her opinion on the men's race carries weight. So when she's asked to weigh in on who should take home the men's award, it's worth paying attention.
With the World Cup now in the rearview mirror and the race for the Ballon d'Or heating up, Bonmati offered her take on which players truly earned the right to be crowned the best in the world this year, landing on three names that reflect just how open this year's race has become.
Aitana Bonmati's Three Ballon d’Or Picks Explained
Aitana Bonmati
Aitana Bonmati
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo via Barca Blaugranes, the 28-year-old immediately floated Rodri and Lionel Messi as two players who caught her eye during the tournament, with her admiration for Messi stemming from his ability to still perform at such a high level heading into his 40s.
She then turned to a more unexpected choice: Barcelona’s young defender, Pau Cubarsi. It's a bold pick, given how rarely defenders are recognised with football's most prestigious individual honour.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
Bonmati justified the selection by referencing history, noting that Fabio Cannavaro once claimed the Ballon d'Or as a centre-back off the back of a World Cup win:
In her eyes, Cubarsi's standout performances throughout the tournament put him in similar territory, making him a legitimate dark horse for the award.
Where the Bookmakers Stand on the Ballon d’Or
England's Harry Kane looks worried at the 2026 World Cup
England's Harry Kane looks worried via REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
Bonmati's shortlist doesn't quite line up with the current betting markets. Harry Kane holds a narrow edge as favourite heading into the announcement, largely on the back of a prolific season in front of goal for Bayern Munich, with Lamine Yamal, World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri, Kylian Mbappe and Messi rounding out the group closely behind him.
Rodri Spain Golden Ball World Cup 2026
Rodri Spain Golden Ball World Cup 2026
Interestingly, Rodri and Messi appear on both lists, suggesting Bonmati's instincts aren't too far removed from the wider consensus, even if Cubarsi remains something of an outlier.
Fans won't have to wait too much longer to find out who takes home the prize, with the winner set to be revealed on the 26th of October.